This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
Chinese Ceramics: Highlights of the Sir Percival David Collection
by Regina Krahl (Author), Jessica Harrison-Hall (Author)
Outside of Asia, Sir Percival David amassed one of the best collections of Chinese ceramics. Many imperial-quality artifacts include stunning specimens of highly rare Ru and guan ceramics and the famed David vases. Their inscriptions date from 1351, giving them a globally recognized standard for determining the age of Chinese blue and white porcelain.
Here are 50 highlights, all accompanied by colour images explicitly made for this publication. The following text provides further information and highlights the key characteristics of each item. The collection’s breadth and depth give enough material for a breathtaking overview and approachable introduction to Chinese ceramic art.
More Ceramic Design
Gothic by Design: The Dawn of Architectural Draftsmanship
“Gothic by Design” examines Gothic architectural drawings, revealing their role in design processes and cultural systems, expanding the understanding of medieval architectural representation and authorship.
Rudolph Ackermann: Publishing Regency Design and Decorative Taste
Rudolph Ackermann connected prints, fashion, furniture and interiors through his Repository of Arts, helping Regency readers encounter and compare new designs.
Women’s Fashion in 1932: Needlecraft Patterns and Everyday Style
A close reading of Needlecraft’s March 1932 fashion pages, where sewing patterns reveal the changing silhouettes, fabrics and everyday styles of the early 1930s.
Jasper Morrison: Minimum Design
Gabriele Neri’s introduction to Jasper Morrison, part of the Minimum Design series, with context on his approach to everyday objects.
Aegis: Athena’s Protective Emblem in Classical Ornament
Explore the aegis as a divine attribute and decorative motif, from Athena’s snake-edged covering to Roman cameos and mosaics, and learn how it differs from a gorgoneion.
Aaron’s Rod in Ornament: Biblical Imagery and Decorative Meaning
Explore Aaron’s rod through biblical stories, medieval sculpture and Renaissance ceramics, with a guide to distinguishing it from the caduceus.
Related Articles
